I'm wearing Red today to increase awareness about cardiovascular disease being the #1 threat to women’s health.
Did you know that...
1 in 3 women die from cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease kills 1 woman every 80 seconds, taking more lives than any type of cancer.
Additionally, heart disease is starting to affect younger women, even those in their 20s.
As a South Asian woman, I know I carry the genetics that put me at increased risk. But, it doesn’t end there. Lifestyle changes are one of the most important factors to combat your risk.
Steps you can take to reduce your risk:
Quit smoking! If you do smoke, work with your doctor to help quit smoking.
Work towards a healthier diet full of plants, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and low/non fat dairy. Reduce your intake of processed foods.
Get moving! Sedentary lifestyle is one of the main risk factors. Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise
Develop some healthy outlets for relieving stress. High levels of stress and depression also play a role in heart disease.
Limit alcohol intake to 1 drink/day.
Don’t skimp on sleep, it’s one of the most important factors for overall health, including heart health.
Additionally, I always recommend going for an annual physical to check in with your primary care physician. It is a great opportunity to discuss your current medical problems, family history and lifestyle. Your medical provider can then perform a physical exam to check you heart health and order additional labwork/tests if necessary.
Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. Let's work together to raise awareness to ensure that we are all living a healthy lifestyle to prevent cardiovascular disease in the future!